Feb 9 • 11:38 UTC 🇸🇪 Sweden SVT Nyheter

16-Year-Old Hired to Start Fires – Sentenced to Closed Youth Care and Millions in Damages

A 16-year-old, who was involved in starting fires that led to significant property damage and danger to residents, has been sentenced to closed youth care and ordered to pay millions in damages.

In early August, a fire broke out in a multi-family residential building in Nässjö, leading to the evacuation of several residents from their balconies and causing over 3.5 million Swedish kronor in damages. The prosecutor argued that the collective penalty value for the arson incidents in Nässjö and Forserum would equate to 14 years in prison, but took into account the youth of the offender, noting that the penalty associated specifically with the Nässjö fire could amount to 8.5 years in prison. The court affirms that despite his age, the gravity of the crime, which endangered the lives of individuals in the building, is to be taken seriously.

The young offender revealed during the trial that he had been coerced into committing the acts by threats, indicating a deeper involvement of organized crime in these incidents. He stated that he feared for his safety should he refuse to participate in starting the fire. The court ruling emphasizes that he had to understand the significant risk posed to those inside the building, who were either asleep or just waking up when the fire started, thus exacerbating the perilous situation for residents.

Additionally, there is mention of another man involved in related investigations who has a history of similar criminal activities. The legal outcomes indicate a rising concern regarding youth involvement in organized crime, particularly in violent offenses such as arson, and the judicial system's efforts to balance accountability with the rehabilitation needs of young offenders.

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